My Doula's Podcast

Maggie's pregnancy went pretty smoothly overall, until she went to her 36 week appointment and found that her baby was frank breech. Maggie was determined to get that baby to flip and she spent the next week focused on positioning and body work. After lots of work and a very short ECV, her baby flipped! Maggie went on to have a vaginal birth and describes her experience as beautiful. Join us today to hear her full story! We also discuss her experience with engorgement, breastfeeding difficulties and a tongue and lip tie revision.Mentions:Lactation Support: Kelly Emory – https://www.babybelovedinc.com/Dana Walsh Photography Book: Precious Little Sleep by Alexis DubiefFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/597488577727460

Melissa had her first baby in 2016. Overall things went well, but she did end up with a second degree tear. After this birth, Melissa had a procedure called a sphincterotomy. She was told any future births would need to be a cesarean or she would risk further tearing and may end up needing a colostomy bag. Melissa had accepted this, but when she became pregnant with her second, she wanted to explore all of her options. Melissa went on to have 3 more vaginal births without tearing! Listen to hear how she advocated for herself and how her 4th birth experience was different while having a doula. She also shares her experience being readmitted 3 days later with postpartum preeclampsia and shares some of her favorite postpartum resources.

Mandi Rodenbeck is the owner of Great Lakes Doulas and she is also a DONA certified birth and postpartum doula. She is knowledgeable and passionate about educating her clients and helping them prepare for birth. Join us today as we talk with Mandi about body balancing and preparing your body for birth. We discuss pain in pregnancy, baby positioning, and much more. Mentions & LinksPhoto Credit: Finding Fire PhotographyOne Strong Mama: https://www.onestrongmama.com/?osm=346&fbclid=IwAR0Oxi4QXwqvulI85aJAgfSz4h_ZXEDEeEJbcCqwPTxoDc_dUi9npqkpTwsHeart Soul Birth Pro's: https://heartsoulbirthpros.com/Spinning Babies: https://www.spinningbabies.com/Body Ready Method: https://bodyreadymethod.com/Book: Changing birth on earth by Gail TullyFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/597488577727460

Dr. Theresa Osmer, of Flow Chiropractic, is a Chiropractic Physician and a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. She is trained to help her patients with infertility, pregnancy-related pain, preparing for birth, and much much more. Join us as we talk with Dr. Osmer about chiropractic care in pregnancy, postpartum, and even how she can help your newborn! Links:Flow Chiropractic: https://www.flowchiro.com/Book:Email: Doula@mydoulagr.comWebsite: https://www.mydoulagr.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/597488577727460

Choosing the right provider in pregnancy is the first step towards a positive birth experience. There are so many things to look at when choosing your OBGYN or midwife. Join us as we discuss the impact the right (or wrong) provider can have on your birth experience and how you can find the right provider for you and your pregnancy. Email: Doula@mydoulagr.comWebsite: https://www.mydoulagr.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/597488577727460

Pitocin is used quite frequently in the hospital system to induce and augment labor. While pitocin does stimulate uterine contractions, it does not work the same as naturally produced oxytocin. Join us as we discuss the differences between Oxytocin & Pitocin and some ways you can be more prepared heading into an induction.* This podcast represents the opinions of Emily, Lindsey and their guests to the show.The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for informational purposes only, and because each person pregnancy is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

Vaginal Twin Birth StoryLaura had originally wanted a non-medicated homebirth, but changed her plans when she discovered she was expecting twins at a 9 week dating scan. Her pregnancy went fairly smoothly, but towards the end of her pregnancy, her babies started to measure differently. Laura was induced at 35 weeks and gave birth to a 4 lb 14 oz baby girl and a 7 lb baby boy! Listen in to hear Laura's full story and how she gave birth to her twins vaginally.Resources: When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads 4th Edition: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy by Barbare LukeTracking app - Huckleberry

On today's podcast we were able to talk to Dr. Katie Swanson. She is one of the Pediatric dentists at Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan. She works with Dr. Stephanie Kloonstra out of their beautiful office located in Grand Rapids off of East Paris Ave. We talked about what age you should start bringing your child to the dentist, why a pediatric dentist might be the right choice for your kiddo's dental needs, and how mouth ties can effect your feeding (breast/chest/bottle) journey in unexpected ways. We learned so much from Katie! If you have questions or would like to get in touch with Dr. Katie or Dr. Stephanie at Pediatric Dental Specialists, you can check out their website: www.pdsofwestmi.com or you can give them a call at 616.608.8898. Thank you for helping us make informed decisions about oral health for our children.

Today on My Doula's Podcast we talked to author, podcaster, potty trainer, YouTuber, and Mom to a teenager, Jamie Glowacki. Jamie is a fast talking East coast gal who loves talking about how amazing toddlers are. Jamie reminded us that we are all growning and learning all the time, and toddlers are just doing it explosively fast! We talked about a lot of things, but if we didn't get to something you had a question about, Jamie has you covered. She has two books, one on potty training and one on toddlers. They are called, Oh Crap! Potty Training and Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler. Her Instagram handle is: Jamie.Glowacki You can find her on You Tube: Oh crap With Jamie. Her podcast is called Oh crap I love my toddler but holy f*ck. It was so fun for us to spend an hour with Jamie and we hope she was able to help you as much as she helped us when we had toddlers peeing down the slides at the mall.

On today's podcast we speak with Kathryn Wells who teaches Bradley Method birth classes out of her home in Caledonia Michigan. Kathryn is a Mom of 4, and an experienced birth educator. She shares the story of her 3rd baby's birth, who was born breach in 11 minutes in the hospital. It took a remarkable amount of advocacy for Kathryn to get the birth experiences she wanted with all of her births, and she strives to help parents in West Michigan achieve the births they want. The Bradley Method of birth education is a partner focused birth class that centers the relationship between the birthing person and the birth partner. Join us for a discussion on what you can expect with when you take this class. Next class series May 31st. You can reach her via Email: Kathryn.wells5@gmail.com or Instagram: kathrynwellschildbirthedu Facebook: Kathryn Wells- Childbirth Education

While a career as a doula is rewarding and empowering, it is also demanding and can easily lead to burn-out. Join us as we discuss doula burnout and some of the ways you can implement self care and set yourself up for success!

Very frequently we hear people say something along the lines of, “I don't want them to think I'm being difficult.” This is in regards to providers, spouses, family, and everyone in between. Oftentimes these individuals feel a sense of pressure to make a decision, not because it is right for them, but because it is what's more convenient or helpful for others. Join us as we discuss people pleasing in pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle yet effective technique helps your body heal itself by releasing tension through light touch. Join us as we chat with Kelly O'brien Pahman of Craniosacral Center of Grand Rapids. We discuss how craniosacral therapy can help throughout pregnancy, postpartum and with many common newborn concerns.

Today on the podcast we are speaking with Dr. Saxony Matousek, PT, DPT of Think Physical Therapy. Dr. Matousek is a Counterstrain physical therapist with a passion for helping those who are pregnant, trying to conceive, and in the postpartum period. Join us as we discuss how the Counterstrain technique is different and how she is working to help her patients care for their bodies. Dr. Saxony Matousek, PT, DPT Think Physical Therapy - https://thinkphysicaltherapy.com/616-287-2662

There's a phrase that's used by many when discussing birth, “Healthy Mom, Healthy baby is all that matters” While this phrase seems like it could be reassuring, oftentimes it's use is invalidating, unhelpful, and devaluing of the persons birth experience. Today we will be discussing this phrase and others that pregnant and postpartum individuals frequently hear. Join us as we discuss toxic positivity in pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

Katie had a very smooth pregnancy with no complications. At 32 weeks their baby had flipped breech and her providers felt that their baby was too big for an ECV. Her provider gave her the option to schedule a cesarean, or wait to see if baby would flip back over.She chose to move forward with a planned cesarean birth as she has had a history of surgeries and was comfortable with that choice.Join us as Katie shares her birth story and talks about her struggles breastfeeding and some of the feelings that go along with that.Katie also discusses her experience with Postpartum anxiety, healing from a cesarean, and judgment some moms feel about their choices.

Rachel woke up the day before her due date feeling some light contractions. She went to her scheduled OB appointment and she was 3 cm dilated. Her OB swept her membranes and they hoped labor would start soon. Throughout the day her contractions became stronger and more frequent. Rachel and her husband Aaron ate dinner, took a walk, and started the miles circuit. Rachel got up and went to use the restroom and when she stood up, her water broke! Listen in to hear Rachel's whole birth story.

The postpartum period should be a time of rest, recouperation, and lots of baby snuggles. Oftentimes new parents surprised by some of the challenges that come along with this time. Join us as we discuss postpartum doulas and how their assistance can help you through the 4th trimester and beyond.

Join us as we talk to Reagan Gielincki of Empowered Feeding. Reagan is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and an Occupational Therapist. She works right here in West Michigan helping families with anything feeding related, from tethered oral issues, to optimal positioning, and she can even help with bottle feeding! Reagan also talks about the Tummy Time Method which encourages healthy development and connection. Speaking with Reagan was like connecting with an old friend, and we are so fortunate to have her in our community. You can find more information for Reagan's services and her company Empowered Feeding at http://reagangielincki.com/

CW: Discussion of miscarriageJoin us as Emily shares her Homebirth story. This story includes several changes to Emily's plan and to her providers! Photo by Annica at Sprout & Blossom Birth

Join us for a more laid back episode wrapping up the first year of My Doula's podcast! We discuss some of the professionals we have interviewed, some embarassing moments, and some exciting things to come! We have loved this first year of the podcast and are looking forward to another great year of birth stories, expert interviews, and doula discussions. Thank you to all of you who have shared your stories and expertise with us!

It's taken me long enough, but I've finally shared my own birth story. Join us as we discuss my experience being induced and having a fast and furious 4 hour labor.

Join us as we speak with David Arrell, Author of Welcome to Fatherhood: The Modern Man's Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Fatherhood. We spoke with David about the Dad/Partner experience during the birth journey. David took his own experiences, reflected on those, and wrote the book that he needed during that time. David shares practical tips and tricks for connection and specific ways you can be a helpful and supportive partner during pregnancy, postpartum, and everything in-between. Website: www.welcometofatherhood.com

A few days before Maddie's due date, her doula let her know that she was ill. She made sure she was set up with a backup doula and they crossed their fingers that labor wouldn't start until she was better. Maddie started having contractions on Sunday afternoon, the day before her estimated due date. They headed into the hospital that evening to avoid driving in snowy conditions later on. In triage, Maddie's blood pressure was elevated and they inserted a catheter to get a urine sample. She consented to a cervical check, however she did not want to know the dilation of her cervix. Maddie was admitted and labored through the night and the following day. She labored in the tub, changing positions, walked the halls of the hospital, and tried anything possible to relieve her back labor. On Monday afternoon Maddie decided to get an epidural and tried to rest. She continued changing positions to help her baby change positions. Once she was ready to push, Maddie tried several different positions to see what worked best. Her midwife let Maddie know that she was starting to tear a bit and suggested an episiotomy. Maddie agreed to the episiotomy and early Tuesday morning, Maddie gave birth to a baby girl! Maddie's baby was posterior, forehead presenting, and had a double nuchal cord! Baby Norah had quite the large bump on her forehead, but that quickly resolved and she is doing wonderfully at 4 weeks old.

Joy is a Doula, Childbirth Educator, Pregnancy Health coach, Lactation counselor, a student midwife and a mother to 5! Join us as Joy shares the story of her 4th birth and fist homebirth experience. Joy also shares her experience of having her water break at 31 weeks, while she was supporting a laboring client. Tune in as we discuss mental blocks in labor, the differences in laboring in a place of comfort, and Joy talks Emily through a mental block of her own!Show Notes:Joy DeanEmail: Jdean.birthwork@gmail.comTikTok: @birthaddictdoula

Today on the podcast, we discuss the process of finding the right doula for yourself. We touch on some helpful questions to ask, things to keep in mind, and interviewing multiple doulas!

MomsBloom offers in-home practical and emotional support for families with newborns in Kent and Ottawa counties.Join us as we chat with Carrie Kolehouse from MomsBloom. We discuss the postpartum period and how MomsBloom volunteers are helping families through the challenges of this time. We also discuss how to request a volunteer and how to become a volunteer yourself! Show Notes:MomsBloom.orgPine Rest Mother-Baby Program: https://www.pinerest.org/services/mother-baby-program-postpartum-depression-treatment/Spectrum Health Postpartum Support group: https://www.spectrumhealth.org/patient-care/womens-health/obstetrics/postpartum-depression-supportMaternal Welness program https://maternalwellnessprogram.org/groups

Lindsey was 38 weeks pregnant with her second baby when her husband moved from Texas to Michigan. She stayed behind so she could stay with her midwife and give birth at the birth center. Listen in to hear about transferring to the hospital and the rest of her birth story!

Alicia went into her first birth experience without much preparation. She had a difficult labor involving a shoulder dystocia, an episiotomy, forceps and a vacuum. When she became pregnant with her second baby, Alicia decided she wanted to do more preparation this time. She worked with a birth educator to get her body and mind ready for another birth. Listen in to hear the story of Alicia's second baby being born 6 minutes after arriving at the hospital! We also chat with Alicia about her attachment based sleep consulting business.

Today on the podcast we are joined by Jennifer Holshoe, CPM. Jennifer is a midwife in West Michigan. We sat down with Jenn to discuss homebirth midwifery and some of the common misconceptions surrounding homebirth. We touch on topics such as, how midwifery care differs from standard OB care, what the process of giving birth at home looks like, and what happens in the rare case that you need/want to transfer to the hospital. Show Notes:https://www.westmichiganmidwifery.com/Books: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May GaskinThe Birth Partner by Penny SimkinWelcome To Fatherhood: The Modern Man's Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Fatherhood. By  David Arrell

Lindsey found out she was pregnant and took the advice of a friend who had suggested her OBGYN. Shortly after beginning care with this provider, Lindsey was on the receiving end of some incredibly inappropriate comments. During a cervical check at a standard prenatal visit, Lindsey's OB stripped her membranes without consent. She also accidentally broke Lindsey's water at this time, eventually sending her to the hospital to get labor going.Join us as Lindsey shares her story and how that experience still effects her now.

Join us for a birth story that you won't want to miss! Chess' had spent months experiencing intense digestive issues, that they thought was severe IBS. Chess had multiple doctors appointments where their provider palpated their stomach and conducted urine and blood pregnancy tests. Chess was at work on September 28th when they started feeling extreme digestive upset every 15-20 minutes. They worked out their shift and the next day things intensified more. Chess was getting ready to go shopping with their roommate, when they experienced what they thought to be urinary incontinence. They cleaned up the mess, got in the bath, and endured stomach and back pain that was coming more frequently as time passed. Chess was sitting on the toilet, talking on the phone with their mom asking advice on going to the emergency room, when suddenly they gave birth to a baby. Listen in on Tuesday to hear the rest of Chess and baby Caspian's story!Chess, Caspian, and their family are navigating a NICU stay, unexpected time off work, and of course hospital bills. If you are able to help support them monetarily through this time, please visit the link in our bio to their gofundme! Every little bit helps!https://gofund.me/9cf22d8d Show NotesChess' Email: everchangingchess@gmail.comTiktok @idontknowhowtoplaychess

Today on the podcast, we are joined by Annica Quakenbush, MS, CD(DONA). Annica is a birth doula, photographer, and all around go-getter. Annica was living in the Phillipines when she decided she wanted to give birth outside of a hospital setting, either at home or in a birth center. When she moved back to the United States and became pregnant with her daughter, she found a team of midwives to help her have a homebirth. Join us as Annica shares her 2 beautiful homebirth stories. We also discuss some of the misconceptions around homebirth and it's safety. Show Notes:Sprout & Blossom – You can access the botanicals shop and Sprout Baby Co. through the “shop” tab.https://sproutandblossomgr.com/West Michigan Midwifery https://www.westmichiganmidwifery.com/

Join us for a doula discussion all about changing care providers during pregnancy. Why might you want to switch providers?Maybe you love your provider, but they are in a large practice and you rarely get to see them. Maybe you feel like they brush off your concerns or don't take you seriously. Maybe you want an non-medicated birth and they really push for epidurals. Maybe you want a repeat cesarean and your provider doesn't support that. Whatever the reason may be, you deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your birth team. Why might someone stay with a provider when they aren't comfortable?Clients often say they stayed with their provider because they thought they were just being hormonal, or they second guessed their hesitations, or their cousin had a good experience with them so how could they be having such a poor experience. Some of our clients have been with their provider for years and through previous pregnancies and they just keep hoping their feelings of uneasiness will go away... They rarely do. A provider can be a skilled, knowledgeable, respected OBGYN or midwife, but they just aren't the right fit for you. Join us on Tuesday as we chat more about switching providers during your pregnancy.

Join us tomorrow on my doulas podcast as Clare shares her birth story. Clear was in the middle of parent teacher conferences when her contractions started. She went home and continued her conferences virtually for about an hour and a half before she was no longer able to ignore her contractions. Claire's Doula came over, her parents came over to watch her little ones and it seemed like everything was moving forward. And then everything slow down. After spending the next week in prodromal labor oh, Claire developed a pounding headache and went to the hospital with concerns of preeclampsia. While she had not developed pre-eclampsia, she still advocated for herself to stay in the hospital and be induced. Clare was 2 cm dilated and they had a plan to start with a cervical ripener. The on-call OBGYN, however, suggested that they start pitocin right away. Immediately contractions were strong and Clare was shaking as she worked through them. She was sure she had made significant progress. At her next cervical check Clare was still 2 centimeters dilated. A few hours later Clare went to the bathroom and her water broke! She had another cervical check and she had dilated to 7 centimeters! During the cervical check, Claire's nurse thought that her bag of waters may have folded over on itself and the decision was made to try and break her waters further. Clare's nurse attempted to break her water and then an OB residents decided to try. The Resident was extremely rough and Clare had to tell her to stop. The resident rolled her eyes and asked to try again. Clare again told her to stop. She rolled her eyes, snapped off her gloves and left the room. Clear felt defeated, distraught, and embarrassed. She labored on pitocin for a few more hours and at her next cervical check she was told she was 4 cm dilated. Exhausted, and frustrated, Clare received an epidural in the hopes to get some rest. Clare had a little bit of relief but was still feeling all of her contractions. During a position change her baby's heart rate decelerated and the room was filled with medical professionals. After what seemed like forever, they got Clare into a position where her baby's heart rate had stabilized. She sat in Throne position while a strange calm came over the room. She spoke with her Doula and said that she didn't feel she couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only a few moments later, Clare felt the urge to push!Listen as Clare shares how she advocated for herself by having someone removed from her birth team, and more. Notes from the showIna May's Guide to Childbirth - *As a member of amazon associates, we may recieve a portion of proceeds when you purchase from this link.https://amzn.to/3EUkwe1*As a member of amazon associates, we may recieve a portion of proceeds when you purchase from this link.

Jenny's third pregnancy was considered high risk after she had experienced 2 miscarriages. Thankfully, her pregnancy went smoothly and was free of complications.Jenny started having contractions on a Thursday. On Saturday, after several days of prodromal labor, Jenny's contractions were consistently 5 minutes apart. They headed to the hospital only for her labor to completely stop once she was in triage. They were sent home and strong contractions started again. Sunday morning, Jenny went back to the hospital and again, her contractions stopped. Jenny spent the day walking around the hospital and her contractions started again and she was finally brought to a labor and delivery room. Jenny labored on a birth ball and in the tub and eventually requested an epidural. Soon after that, medical staff broke her water and she was dilated to 10 within an hour.When she was ready to push, Jenny felt like she had developed a fever. Her concerns were brushed off and after about an hour of pushing she brought up her concerns again. They took her temperature, and Jenny did in fact have a fever. Her baby's heart rate was vary fast and they made the decision to move forward with a cesarean. Listen in on Tuesday to hear the rest of Jenny's story.

Meghon switched care providers at 28 weeks pregnant after some negative experiences with her OB. She made the decision to seek midwifery care, she hired a doula, and she started preparing for a non-medicated birth. At 42 weeks pregnant Meghon went to see her midwife for a routine check up and to have a foley balloon placed. Unfortunately, Meghon's blood pressure was extremely high and she was sent to the hospital to begin an induction. Meghon quickly dilated to 6 cm and the foley baloon fell out at 2PM on Thursday. Meghon labored for the rest of the night and into the next morning on pitocin. She had a cervical check at 9AM and she was still dilated to 6 cm. They made the decision to break her water and labor immediately got more intense. Meghon walked, lunged, tried different positions, and labored in the tub. At 6PM Meghon was told that she had dilated to 7.Meghon decided to have an epidural placed and try to get some rest. She rested while laying in different positions to help her baby descend and adjusted her position based on her babies heart rate. At 2AM on Saturday Meghon was still dilated to 7. They decided to move forward with a cesarean section.Listen in to hear the rest of Meghon's story and hear how she advocated to have her doula in the operating room.

Regina was planning to be an egg donor for her brother and partner but during the testing she was told eggs were more mature than they should be and that she should have her own children first before considering egg donation. Regina and her husband Josh were soon pregnant with their first baby.Regina was induced with her first 2 pregnancies and had good experiences with both births. After the births of their daughters, Regina and Josh decided they were done having babies and scheduled a vasectomy. The procedure was canceled due to Covid-19 restrictions limiting elective procedures. Josh did eventually have the vasectomy completed and they shortly discovered that they were expecting another baby and had conceived the week before the procedure.When Regina found out she was pregnant for a third time, She decided she wanted to try something different with this pregnancy. She found a provider who was supportive and encouraging with avoiding induction, she hired a doula, and spoke with other people who had suggestions on preparing for a non-medicated birth. Regina woke up to use the bathroom one night and felt a pop! Her water had broken and she immediately started having contractions. Join us next Tuesday to hear the rest of Regina's fast and furious 1.5 hour birth story!Regina also tells us about her work as a certified creative movement instructor and her Little Feet classes. These movement classes aim to develop healthy parent/child relationships, build capable and confident bodies and integrated brainsLittle Feet: https://www.littlefeetmovement.com/

Join us on as we discuss the importance of having non-medicated coping strategies EVEN if you're planning to get an epidural.Many first time parents go into birth believing that receiving an epidural means that they will have a completely pain-free birth. While this may be true for some, it is not the case for all. Tune in as we touch on topics such as:Coping while laboring at home and while waiting for an epiduralWhen an epidural isn't possibleWhen an epidural fails Different coping strategiesDifferent education options

Kelsey got pregnant shortly after getting married and had a fairly smooth pregnancy. The night before Kelsey's due date she tripped over a baby gate and broke her left arm and shattered her right shoulder. She was taken to the hospital via ambulance. She needed surgery asap but needed to deliver her baby first. She was induced and had a smooth delivery at 10 pm. 2 hours after giving birth, Kelsey was brought down for pre-op.After 12 hours in pre-op, Kelsey's surgery was canceled and due to scheduling she had to wait 3 more days before she was able to get into surgery. After nearly a week in bed, Kelsey needed PT and a gait belt to help her walk before she could go home. Kelsey's mom moved in for 7 weeks to help care for Kelsey and their new baby. Kelsey slept in a recliner and relied on her husband and her mom to help her take care of her most basic needs. With in home occupational therapy, Kelsey was able to start feeding herself, using the bathroom on her own and was eventually able to go back to work. A few months later Kelsey started having shoulder pain and found out her shoulder had collapsed and was rejecting the plates a screws from her surgery. She would need another surgery. Kelsey's story doesn't get any easier. Tune in to hear the rest of Kelsey's story and her wonderful experience giving birth a second time.

Join us as Sara shares how she used The Bradley Method, deep breathing and positioning during labor and had a non-medicated birth. She also discusses experiencing PUPPP skin rash twice during her pregnancy, her breastfeeding experience and her struggles with PPD.

Join us as Michele shares her birth story! Michele discusses navigating to the hospital in New York City traffic, deciding who would be in the room, a NICU stay for low blood sugars, and the stress she experienced around feeding her baby.Michele has a podcast, The Best-Loved Nanny where she tells stories from her time as a New York City Nanny. She also offers mentoring/ consulting services for hopeful and current nannies as well as services for families looking for new nannies. All of that information can be found on her website Thebestlovednanny.com

Join us as Lyanna shares her birth stories. Lyanna also discusses her work as a Certified Lactation Specialist, and her training to be a Doula with Day one Doula Collective. Lyanna is also on the Mom's Bloom Outreach Committee and the Kent County Breastfeeding Coalition.We discuss Lyanna's personal experiences giving birth, as well as the racial disparities that black and brown women face throughout childbirth. Lyanna also shares some helpful resources available online and in our community.Notes: Lyanna can be contacted on facebook (Lyanna R Moore Doula-Cls) or via email LRN042008@gmail.comHelpful SitesHUGS breastfeeding support group – strongbeginningskent.orgSoutheast Michigan IBCLC's of Color- Semiibclcofcolor.orgBooksKilling the black body by Dorothy E. Roberts https://amzn.to/3f1x1JqDocumentariesBelly of the beastToxic: A black womens birth story

Join us next week as we wrap up our series on birth in a pandemic. We discuss some of the fears, challenges, and changes that came along with the Covid-19 pandemic. Mentions:Grassroots Henna and Design: https://www.grassrootshennaanddesign.com/Gentlebirth with Brenda Baar : https://www.eastownbirth.com/gentlebirthAll Source Pregnancy: https://www.allsourcepregnancy.com/homeEvidence based birth: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/covid19/

Jessica shares her story of giving birth in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Jessica and her husband took hypnobirthing classes and hired a doula, but due to restrictions in Texas, her doula was not able to be there with her. Jessica describes her experience as “definitely not what normally happens.” She explains how her epidural fell out, her husband passed out due to a blood sugar issue and how they decided to move forward with a cesarean.

Jessica shares her experience navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum during the covid-19 pandemic. Her story includes a zoom baby shower, a fast moving labor, and breastfeeding struggles.Mentions:Grass Roots Henna and Design: https://www.grassrootshennaanddesign.com/Gentlebirth Classes with Brenda: https://www.eastownbirth.com/gentlebirth

CW: Traumatic Cesarean BirthEmily shares her story of giving birth during the Covid-19 Pandemic, while her husband worked directly with Covid Patients as a critical care pulmonologist. She discusses advocating for herself to schedule an induction, and about her cesarean birth. Emily discusses an issue with her epidural which caused her to feel her entire cesarean birth and the impact that had on her bonding experience with her son.

Week 1 of our series on birth in a pandemic! Kim shares her 2 birth stories and discusses giving birth in the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Kim talks about experiencing 2 molar pregnancies, her struggles with depression during her second pregnancy, and her epidural not being what she imagined.

CW: Cesarean Birth, NICU stayBethany and Clarissa have 4 children together. Join us as they share their birth stories! After a hospital birth experience left them feeling like they were pressured into making certain decisions, they opted for a home birth the next time. Bethany and Clarissa share their experience transferring to the hospital in labor and advocating for their parental rights. They also share the story of their twin birth just a few months ago.

Join us as we wrap up our series on Birth after Trauma. We have spoken with some incredible individuals throughout this series. Tune in for our doula discussion where we will discuss some of the birth stories we heard, some ways you can prepare to give birth, and share some resources.

Janna VanderBand is an art therapist who helps individuals work through trauma. She is especially passionate about helping those who are pregnant or in the postpartum period. Janna has her Masters in Art Therapy with a concentration in counseling and she has experience in a residential treatment facility working with children and teens who have experienced trauma. We touch on topics such as creating your own emotional and mental health birth philosophy so that you can communicate your needs to your providers. We also talk about how the body stores trauma and how certain stimuli can trigger feelings as though those experiences are currently happening. We discuss what you can do in those situations to reorient yourself.